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Original poster

Attempted suicide - how can I help?

34 replies

Northerner · 23/07/2006 20:06

I'm feeling very atm.

My cousin's dh tried to take his own life on Friday by taking an overdose. He is critical in hospital.

They have 3 gorgeous young kids and this is such a shock to us all. I want to do/say something to help but am at a complete loss. I don't live to near her so can't really do practical things like childcare, but any advice would be appreciated.

At a total loss to understand why a young man would ever feel so low that he resorts to this.

OP posts:
FioFio · 23/07/2006 20:07

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Fastasleep · 23/07/2006 20:10

I agree with the card, just knowing you're 'there' can be all they need... how well d you know your cousin's family, you could maybe say 'I'm just a phone call away...etc' if you're close...

It must be a real shock

Original poster
Northerner · 23/07/2006 20:14

Yes I'll send a card. It is such a bombshell. He seemed the last likely person to ever do this, and it's just baffling.....

My concern is my cousin and how she'll cope.....

Sigh. Having a really emotional week so far.

OP posts:
Fastasleep · 23/07/2006 20:16

Tomorrow is a new day... I'm sure your cousin has people to lean on, you don't have a to feel it's up to you to provide more than a card and the offer of a friendly ear...

it's a horrible situation

Bucketsofdinosaurs · 23/07/2006 20:25

Have a look at this for inspiration (or email it to your cousin).

FioFio · 23/07/2006 20:26

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SSSandy · 23/07/2006 20:36

If it were me, I would go and visit my cousin, even just to spend an afternoon with her, listening and taking the kids off her hands. It would involve a flight and renting a car but I would do it.

SherlockLGJ · 23/07/2006 20:39

Oh Northener, the last thing you needed.

However, your cousin needs some support, a chat, a card............whatever.

The walk on the Stray will keep, and you will need to do it when your head is clear, have been thinking about you all weekend.

Much love

LGJ

Original poster
Northerner · 23/07/2006 20:44

Sherlock - you are so lovely

Actually, we were visiting my parents this weekend for a family wedding so dh and I had a long walk along the beach this morning and put a lot of demons to rest. It cleared my head.

OP posts:
SSSandy · 23/07/2006 20:58

Northerner, sorry to hear you have a lot of worries on your plate right now.

Original poster
Northerner · 23/07/2006 21:02

Sssandy - I would love to visit her, however I don't drive yet so would be a bit tricky, and I;m back at work this week after a 2 week holiday.

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SSSandy · 24/07/2006 10:17

Heard any more yet about why he tried to commit suicide Northerner? How very sad and wonder how much the dc understand.

babybuttercup · 24/07/2006 11:01

Im so sorry to hear your cousins dh felt they had no other way out, other than to take his own life. I think a card would be a lovely idea and im sure it will help him understand there are people around to help and support him

Original poster
Northerner · 24/07/2006 20:11

Not heard anything else today Have left a message on her answer phone but I'm really worried. You see, there was a big family wedding on Saturday which they were supposed to attend, but ovb they didn't. The girls were still bridesmaids though so that was nice.

However, my couisin only told my Dad (it's her Dad's bro) and me, she didn't want anyone else to know. So everyone else thinks he has chest pains in hospital and they are running tests. So no one else knows so she is struggling through this alone with 3 kids under 5

Apparantly he took 20 paracetolmol and 20 asprins - anyone have any idea how serious this could be?

I feel so bloody helpless.

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Original poster
Northerner · 24/07/2006 20:35

Anyone?

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SSSandy · 24/07/2006 20:40

Does she have parents or family nearby?

bettythebuilder · 24/07/2006 21:26

Northerner - I have no useful advice at all, I'm afraid, but just wanted to let you know that I'm thinking of you, and hope that someone can help you with this.

Original poster
Northerner · 24/07/2006 21:36

Thanks Betty

Ssandy, yes she has family but she hasn't told them the sitiuation yet. Not sure how 'useful' tehy will be tbh. Her Mum has many problems of her own unfortunatley.

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SSSandy · 24/07/2006 21:40

It's hard to understand that someone with 3 little kids wouldn't want to live anymore, isn't it?

Pierre · 24/07/2006 21:40

The paracetamol is very dangerous Northerner. How long after he took them was he hospitalised? It make take a few days to get an idea of what, if any, damage was done. They will be checking the levels in his blood. Is he in itensive care or a medical ward?

Dior · 24/07/2006 21:42

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Pierre · 24/07/2006 21:44

Just reread. If it was Friday, they should have some idea now of what is going on. She is going to need your support, even if only your thoughts and good wishes, for a while now. She is going to have to tell people what has happened.

Original poster
Northerner · 24/07/2006 21:45

Details very scetchy atm, don't know if he left a note. Only know he was fiding his job stressful and they had had marriage problems over the last year.

Don't know how long he was hospitalised after the overdose, but he is in ICU.

OP posts:
Pierre · 24/07/2006 21:47

Paracetamol overdoses are shite.

Dior · 24/07/2006 21:48

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